Teaching Genetics and Molecular Biology Using Lactose Intolerance

This animation serves as an anchoring phenomenon for students to explore concepts related to the regulation of gene expression.

To use this resource as part of this playlist:

• Show the animation.

• Have student groups share two to three things they noticed in the animation or three things they wondered about.

• Have students write answers to the following questions:

  • Do you think most infants make the lactase enzyme? Why or why not?

  • Do you think most human adults make the lactase enzyme? Why or why not?

  • How might the lactase enzyme be related to lactose tolerance and intolerance?

  • What do you think causes lactose intolerance?

• Collect student ideas on chart paper and revisit them throughout the remaining resources in this playlist.

Estimated Time: Half of a 50-minute class period.

In this wet lab, students explore the role of the lactase enzyme in breaking down the disaccharide lactose.

To use this resource as part of this playlist, have students complete the lab activities and the analysis questions 1–6 in the “Student Handout.”

Estimated Time: One-and-a-half-50-minute class periods.

This film explores the genetics of lactose intolerance and evolution of lactase persistence in humans. It can be used to introduce these phenomena to students.

To use this resource as part of this playlist, show the film from 0:00–4:40.

In this card activity, students explore the central dogma of biology to understand the molecular mechanisms by which mutations can affect protein production.

To use this resource as part of this playlist, combine it with the Central Dogma and Genetic Medicine Click & Learn (resource 6 in this playlist) as follows:

• Print and cut out one set of “Cards without labels” per student group.

• Have students order the cards as described in the “Educator Materials.”

• Have students visit the Central Dogma and Genetic Medicine Click & Learn. They should explore the “Central Dogma” tab only and complete steps 1 and 2 in the “Student Worksheet.”

• Have students revise the order of their cards if necessary, label the steps and molecules on each card, and share out with the group.

• Have students revisit the Central Dogma and Genetic Medicine Click & Learn. They should explore the “Genetic Medicine” tab and complete step 3 in the “Student Worksheet.”

• Have students complete questions 1 and 2 in the “Student Handout” of the card activity.

Estimated Time: Half of a 50-minute class period for the card activity only.

In this Click & Learn, students deepen their understanding of the central dogma of biology by exploring real examples of genetic diseases and treatments.

To use this resource as part of this playlist, refer to the notes accompanying the previous activity (resource 5 in this playlist).

Estimated Time: One 50-minute class period for the Click & Learn only.

In this activity, students determine the inheritance pattern of lactose intolerance using pedigree analysis.

To use this resource as part of this playlist, have students complete parts 1 and 2 of the “Student Materials.”

Estimated Time: Two 50-minute class periods.

This Click & Learn helps students form and communicate an understanding of the regulation of gene expression.

To use this resource as part of this playlist, have students write their own version of the Click & Learn for a museum exhibit, making appropriate claims and using evidence from throughout the set of resources in this playlist.

Estimated Time: One to two 50-minute class periods.